The EQ (Socioeconomic Equity) Programme

About the EQ (Socioeconomic Equity) Programme

The University of Otago is committed to a culture of equity and diversity where all students are included and valued. Prioritised accessible support for equity groups acknowledges barriers and actively encourages students to participate, engage, and achieve.

The University of Otago's Te Kauae Parāoa policy is designed to ensure academic equity for students from under-represented groups.

Otago's new EQ (Socioeconomic Equity) Programme specifically aims to support students from school communities most challenged by socioeconomic barriers to educational success to progress into health professional programmes, and ultimately into the health workforce.

It recognises the awareness and understanding these students have of health needs in diverse communities, and their potential to make a significant positive difference.

“My involvement in the EQ (Socioeconomic Equity) Programme has made my first year at university an amazing and positive experience. It has made my transition to the university unforgettable and life changing in many aspects. I cannot thank the support team enough – their constant support and communication have been great motivation throughout this journey.” — Esther Yu, now a practising dentist.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the EQ (Socioeconomic Equity) Programme, you must be a domestic student who within the last five years:

• has attended a New Zealand secondary school in the top three bands of the NZ Equity Index (Above Average/Many/Most), or which was decile 1-3 prior to 2023.
• attended during Years 11, 12, and 13.

Eligible students must obtain a confirmation letter from their school and email a copy to eq.project@otago.ac.nz. Please see our Admissions page for further information and a letter template.

Please contact us if you're unsure whether you meet these criteria.

Students are expected to engage with the EQ Programme during their Otago study.